Local Arts & Culture

Amelia Community Theatre

Since 1981, Amelia Community Theatre has been “putting the community on stage”' in the heart of the Historic District. Located within walking distance of dining venues and shops, this theatre showcases several shows a year for all ages. 207 Cedar St., Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Amelia Island Museum of History

The Amelia Island Museum of History shares fascinating stories with eager visitors and residents. Essentially this establishment is the caretaker for an exciting local history displayed through a variety of exhibits and shared through a multitude of programs throughout the community. The museum also protects and shares local history with genealogists, homeowners and authors by providing a modern research facility. The museum features monthly events focusing on the rich history of this fascinating place called Amelia Island! 233 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Blue Door Artists

The Blue Door Artists are a unique collective of local contemporary artists located in Historic Downtown Fernandina
Beach. They offer a selection of original contemporary art in a variety of media and genres to fit any budget and taste.
Stop by to browse the gallery and peruse the selection of artsy gifts, jewelry and cards. 205 1/2 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Island Art Association

The Island Art Association is a nonprofit cooperative of local artists in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, Florida, whose goal is to further the arts and fine art education. The Island Art Association, Inc., was organized for philanthropic and educational purposes. The gallery is open to the public. 18 North 2nd St., Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Festivals

FEBRUARY

Amelia Island Book Festival

Each February, wordsmiths gather on Amelia Island for the book festival, featuring author talks, workshops, readings, luncheons and celebrations in honor of books. Authors of all genres are present, including nonfiction, mystery, history, adventure, Southern literature, poetry and books for young readers.

Amelia Island Film Festival

Each February, a collection of film screenings, workshops and lectures are showcased at venues across Amelia Island.
This festival screens more than 25 films, including shorts and features, student, independent, documentaries, sci-fi and
classic films.

MARCH

Amelia Island Garden Show

Each March, the Amelia Island Garden Show hosts more than 50 florists and vendors from around the state of Florida at Central Park on Atlantic Avenue, offering a large selection of flowers, plants, fruit trees, palms, orchids, herbs, container gardens, native plants, butterfly-friendly plants, shrubs, garden accessories and more. Experts are on site to provide info on “greening” your home, yard and garden.

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

In its second decade, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, this event draws nearly 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show’s Foundation has donated nearly $1.8 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other deserving charities on Florida’s First Coast.

Gooding & Company Auction

Hosted at Amelia Island Plantation, this auction features world-class cars and rare vehicles from around the globe. Gooding & Company is recognized the world over as a leading collector car auction house specializing in the finest antique, classic, sports and racing cars. Not only is Gooding & Company committed to holding auctions of distinction, but they have also orchestrated many successful and significant private sales, provided accurate and detailed appraisals, guided estate planning and advised the custodians of some of the world’s finest automobile collections.

MAY

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Each year, on the first weekend of May, the grand Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival comes alive on the streets of Historic Downtown. Visitors to this popular three-day festival will find shrimp and seafood of all kinds – after all, it is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. The festival also caters to a fleet of “pirates” who meander through the crowds – the island was once a pirate stronghold when it was ruled under foreign flags. Lastly, the festival is about the arts – artisan booths line Centre Street and side streets showcasing and selling paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more.

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

The nationally acclaimed Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt arts organization. Founded in 2001, this festival spans several weeks in May and June, featuring internationally acclaimed talent from around the globe. The festival showcases a wide range of musical tastes: traditional chamber music, string quartets; larger chamber music ensembles, some including voice, guitar and wind instruments; and nontraditional music that explores American folk traditions. Several free concerts are offered, providing access to great music and public education for all ages.

OCTOBER

Amelia Island Jazz Festival

Founded in 2001, this weeklong festival showcases music performed by jazz greats in many styles, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, big band, Latin and contemporary. Performances are staged in several venues around Amelia Island, including the courtyard of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.